7 tips for keeping kids safe while shopping

It’s the holiday shopping season and that can mean crowded conditions at the stores and malls. If you are taking kids along, here are seven tips for keeping them safe, courtesy of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. <br><br> “Talk to your children about safety before going shopping or to a public event, and keep it positive,” said Nancy McBride, national safety director for the center. “You don’t want to dampen their holiday spirit, but you do want to remind them that basic safety rules still apply.”
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Teach your children to stay with you at all times while shopping
<br><br>They should always check first with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Always supervise your children in a public facility and accompany young children to the restroom.
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Make a plan in case you become separated
<br><br>Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot (for example, the sales counter or mall information booth). Teach younger children to look for people who can help—such as a uniformed security officer or a salesperson with a nametag. They should never leave the store or mall and go into the parking lot to look for you or your car. Instead of issuing “don’ts,” talk about “what-if” scenarios with kids.
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Leave clothing that displays your child’s name at home
<br><br>It can draw unwelcome attention from people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your child.
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Have older children take a friend
<br><br>Does your older child like to shop alone? During the holidays ask your child to shop with a friend. Shopping with a friend is safer and more fun. If you rely on cellphones for checking in, have a plan in case you can’t reach each other via phone.
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Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities
<br><br>Don’t leave children alone in arcades, movie theaters, or on playgrounds. Do not expect store personnel to supervise your children.
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Safe “secret” shopping
<br><br>Young kids wanting to be secretive to buy presents for family members without them knowing still need to be with a trusted adult or sibling. <br><br>“Don’t spoil their fun. Ask another parent, guardian, trusted adult or an older brother or sister, to help them and take them shopping,” said McBride.
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Make arrangements for child care
<br><br>If you feel that you will be distracted during holiday shopping, skip taking the kids and arrange for a babysitter.
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